In the last few years, clinicians and scientists in the dental field have become more aware of the importance of preserving pulp vitality. While excavating deep caries lesions (caries profunda), special attention should be given to the remaining dentin layer covering the pulp. While it has been taught over the years to excavate caries until reaching healthy, hard dentin (cri dentinaire), meanwhile it appears justifiable to selectively leave infected dentin close to the pulp in order to avoid exposure of the pulp tissue. Schlagwörter: scientific communication